Book Louvre Museum Guided Tours

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Tourists with audioguides exploring the Louvre Museum, Paris, followed by a Seine River Cruise.






Why take a guided tour of the Louvre Museum?

Girl sitting by Louvre Museum fountain, Paris, highlighting a unique day trip viewpoint.

Expert insights and context

Guides are typically art historians or experts who can provide detailed background on famous pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Tourists viewing artwork inside the Louvre Museum, Paris with reserved access tickets.

By-pass the lines

Many guided tours help by-pass the long queues, saving you time in this immensely popular museum.

Visitors on a VIP guided tour inside the Louvre Museum, viewing famous artworks with skip-the-line access in Paris.

Efficient navigation

The Louvre is vast, with over 35,000 works of art displayed across 72,735 square meters. A guide helps you efficiently navigate and focus on the most famous or relevant pieces.

Guide leading tourists through Louvre Museum, viewing famous artworks in Paris, France.

Enhanced appreciation

Learning about the Louvre's history, from its origins as a royal palace to its transformation into a world-renowned museum, adds depth to your visit.

What to expect on a guided tour?

Skipping the long lines & entering with ease
Carefully curated path through the highlights
Hidden gems & fun facts
A personalized & interactive experience
1/5

Skipping the long lines & entering with ease

As you approach the iconic glass pyramid, the sheer scale of the Louvre might feel overwhelming. But with a guided tour, you’ll bypass the long entry lines, heading straight inside while your guide sets the stage for the wonders ahead. They’ll likely start with a brief history—how this once medieval fortress became the world’s most-visited museum.

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Carefully curated path through the highlights

The Louvre is massive—it would take weeks to see everything. A guided tour ensures you don’t miss the essentials while also weaving in fascinating lesser-known details. Expect to stop at The Mona Lisa, where your guide will share secrets behind da Vinci’s enigmatic masterpiece, from her mysterious smile to the reason she’s displayed behind bulletproof glass, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, The Coronation of Napoleon, and a lot more. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories, historical context, and artistic techniques, turning each stop into a moment of discovery.

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Hidden gems & fun facts

Beyond the famous works, guided tours often reveal hidden details you might otherwise miss. The ceiling frescoes in the Apollo Gallery, once the blueprint for the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. The Louvre’s underground moat, remnants of its medieval past. The scandalous stories behind some of the paintings—who knew art history could be so dramatic?

A personalized & interactive experience

One of the best parts of a guided tour is the chance to ask questions and interact. Instead of passively walking through, you’ll get insights tailored to your interests—whether that’s Renaissance art, Greek mythology, or the evolution of French royal power.

Ending on a high note

By the time your tour wraps up, you’ll have experienced the Louvre in a way that feels immersive and engaging, rather than overwhelming. Most tours last around 2–3 hours, leaving you with time to explore further on your own or relax in the Tuileries Gardens just outside.

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Types of guided tour

Tour group viewing artwork in Louvre Museum, Paris, during semi-private guided tour with skip-the-line access.

Louvre Museum masterpieces tour

  • Explore the world's largest art treasure trove by taking this well-planned 2–3 hour guided tour of the Louvre (available in English, French, Spanish, and German).
  • Admire classic works such as the Mona Lisa and Venus of Milo, as well as artifacts from different eras of history.

Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

Highlights covered on a guided tour of the Louvre Museum

Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci)

Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci)

The world’s most famous smile, shrouded in mystery. Learn about the theories behind her expression, da Vinci’s techniques, and how a theft made her legendary.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace
Venus de Milo
The Coronation of Napoleon (Jacques-Louis David)

Things to keep in mind when you go on a tour

  • Cloakroom: Self-service lockers are free of charge. It is recommended that visitors refrain from bringing heavy bags or suitcases to the museum. On the same day, everything left in the lockers needs to be picked up. Any valuables left in the lockers are not the museum's responsibility.
  • Restrooms: Toilets can be found in the welcome area under the Pyramid and throughout the museum. Most have a baby changing table.
  • Lost and found: If you've lost something and are still at the museum, visit the Help Desk under the Pyramid, where staff will assist you. If you've already left, you can submit a report form on our partner website to inform the Lost & Found team.
  • Baby space: The Studio, a dedicated space for families on the ground floor of the Richelieu wing, features a baby area with a bottle warmer, microwave, and nursing chair—providing everything you need for a peaceful moment with your baby.
  • For guided tours at the Louvre Museum, you typically enter through the Porte des Lions or the Carrousel entrance, both of which are designed to bypass the main queue under the Pyramid
How to enter?
  • Valid ID: Some tours or discounted tickets (like student passes) require official ID or proof of eligibility.
  • Headphones or earpiece: Many guides use audio systems so everyone can hear clearly in crowded areas. Bring wired or Bluetooth earbuds if your tour offers a personal receiver.
  • Map or Louvre app: Though your guide will lead you, having a museum map (available at the entrance) or the Louvre’s official app helps if you want to explore after your tour.
  • Water bottle: Stay hydrated, but ensure your bottle is small and resealable (large bottles may not be allowed).
  • Light jacket or layered clothing: Some galleries can be cooler than others, so wear layers for comfort.
  • Stick with your group: The Louvre is huge with over 400 rooms—stay close to your guide to avoid getting lost. If you get separated, head to the nearest meeting point or information desk.
  • No touching the art: Even if there’s no barrier, avoid touching paintings, sculptures, or artifacts. Some works, like the Venus de Milo, are displayed openly but must be admired from a distance.
  • Photography rules: Photography is allowed in most areas, but no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.
  • Walk, don’t run: Move carefully through crowded galleries—rushing can disturb others and damage artwork. Be mindful of security barriers and don’t lean on display cases.
  • No food or drinks inside galleries: Eating and drinking are not allowed in exhibition areas.
  • Book your tour in advance: Guided tours sell out quickly, so reserve your spot ahead of time.
  • Arrive early & find your guide: Be at the meeting point at least 15-20 minutes early.
  • Note artworks you want to revisit: Guided tours cover highlights quickly—if you want to see something longer, note its location and return later.
  • Plan for extra time: If you have time after your tour, explore more—the museum has endless treasures!

Frequently asked questions about Louvre Museum guided tours

Why are guided tours more expensive than normal entry tickets?

Guided tours are typically priced higher than standard tickets, but the additional cost is well worth the expert commentary and in-depth insights they provide. These tickets often include skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass the crowds and enjoy a more immersive and seamless experience.

How in-depth does the guided tour go into the art history of the pieces?

The tour provides a concise yet insightful exploration of the art history behind key pieces, offering context, stories, and cultural significance without overwhelming detail.

Will the tour be applicable for any level of art enthusiasts?

Our guides adapt their explanations to cater to all levels of familiarity with art, ensuring the tour is both engaging and accessible for everyone.

In what languages are the guided tours available?

Guided tours are available in English, French, Spanish and German.

What does a guided tour of the Louvre cover?

The main attractions and rooms are covered in the guided tour.

Do guided tours include skip-the-line access?

Yes, you can skip the line with a guided tour and save up to 1 to 2 hours.

How long does a guided tour last?

A guided tour usually lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours.

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Stunning view of the intricate ceiling artwork at the Louvre Museum in Paris, a unique feature of this popular museum tour

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Headout is a brand trusted by millions of guests worldwide offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.